With its population of less than 200, the Town of French Camp has a sense of pride with its mayor for the past 16 years being named an officer of the Mississippi Municipal League (MML).
Mayor Glen Barlow was elected second vice president of the MML at its recent convention held at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. He will serve a year in that capacity, move up to first vice president the second year and assume the presidency the third year.
“It takes a village to raise a child.” French Camp is a perfect example of that adage. “A small town can make a difference and I believe in what we have going on here,” Barlow said. The town is steeped in history and is also known for French Camp Academy which provides a school and home environment for its students.
In addition to his municipal duties Barlow serves as sales manager for WFCA radio station and co-pastor of Itta Bena-Morgan City Presbyterian Church.
The town board members are Becky Stevens, Jenni Morgan, Jan Henderson, Becky Patterson Rogers, Pete Pendleton and Phil Nicholson. They said his position with the MML is a great honor for him and wife Debbie as well as the board, which pledged support when he decided he was going to follow his heart and direct a major part of his servant spirit to the endeavor.
During his tenure as mayor, upgrades have been made in the sewage system, and most streets have been resurfaced. With grants through the Choctaw Economic Development Council, the town has been been able to erect signage and banners which line the downtown area.
With its location adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway, the town is rich in history and Barlow said he wants to work toward its historic preservation.
As he continues to work in maintaining and improving the town for its residents, Barlow said he hopes to do the same with the MML.
